Andy Burnham vows UK support for Ukraine on independence day visit
Andy Burnham has promised Britain is “100 per cent behind” Ukraine as he visits Kyiv on his first foreign trip to mark the country’s independence day, reports BritPanorama.
The prime minister is set to chair his first meeting of the coalition of the willing upon his arrival in Kyiv on Monday morning, emphasizing the UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine.
This visit comes amid deteriorating relations between the Kremlin and Downing Street, exacerbated by Vladimir Putin’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine and Moscow’s repeated threats.
Mr Burnham aims to reassure Ukrainians of the UK’s commitment, insisting that Russia’s aggression only fortifies British resolve. “On Ukraine’s 35th anniversary of independence, the Ukrainian people should be in no doubt: the UK is behind you today and for as long as it takes,” he stated.
He further expressed pride in the UK’s contributions to Ukraine, affirming, “I want the Ukrainian people to hear it directly from me that our support will not waver. After all, Ukraine’s security is our security.”
Reiterating the strength of UK-Ukrainian ties, he added, “The friendship between our two countries will long outlast Russia’s illegal war.” He also highlighted a commitment to assist in both the confrontation and future reconstruction: “In both the fight and in the rebuilding to come, we will stand with Ukraine and deliver opportunities for people across both our countries.”
Mr Burnham warned Russia to be aware of the UK’s determination: “We will not back down until there is a just and lasting peace.”
Earlier this month, Russia’s embassy in the UK claimed that Ukrainian forces had utilized unmanned aircraft developed by British firms, asserting that this confirms London’s role in escalating the conflict. They accused the UK of “seeking to contain Russia and inflict maximum damage on it by proxy,” warning that further involvement would lead to greater repercussions.
“London’s actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer,” the embassy asserted.
During his visit, in addition to chairing the coalition meeting, Mr Burnham will participate in Independence Day celebrations and accept an award recognizing the UK’s support on behalf of the British people.
The UK government recently approved defense company MBDA to disclose classified information on British components related to the Scalp missile, which is a French-produced variant of the UK’s Storm Shadow. Both missiles employ shared French and British technology, with plans for local assembly lines for Scalp missiles in Ukraine being discussed.
This visit underscores the UK’s ongoing commitment to support Ukraine, as every British prime minister, except for Liz Truss, has visited since the onset of the Russian conflict.
Sir Keir Starmer, who initiated the coalition of the willing, also visited Ukraine during his final trip as prime minister, affirming that the UK’s “cast-iron” support would “always endure.”
Relations remain tense, with Mr Burnham responding directly to the Kremlin’s threats. When questioned about his message to Putin regarding accusations of the UK escalating hostilities, he stated, “This is the UK doing what it has long said it would do, which is to support Ukraine 100 per cent against this illegal war led by Vladimir Putin.”
He added, “We are providing support so that Ukraine can defend itself, and that’s been the British position all the way through this conflict by previous prime ministers.”
Highlighting the reliability of Britain’s support, he concluded, “We are not fair-weather friends. We will be there in Ukraine’s hour of need, and that won’t change.”
The Kremlin has yet to name a successor for its ambassador to the UK after Andrei Kelin left his position recently. The charge d’affaires has taken over responsibilities, prompting speculation about a potential downgrade in diplomatic relations with the UK.
